Chasmias Ashmead, 1900
Chasmias is a small, rare genus of only 6 species worldwide. It is quite difficult to diagnose and ID as it lacks any single strongly identifying character and could easily be mistaken for Ichneumon or Coelichneumon. The main distinguishing features are the more robust head with a wide gena (as compared to Ichneumon species), the relatively long propodeum such that the areola is a slightly longer than wide (usually square or wider than long in Ichneumon), and the moderately-developed gastrocoeli and thyridia (not enlarged as in Coelichneumon).
There are at least two undescribed Chasmias species in the western U.S.
Diagnosis
- clypeus densely, coarsely punctate; in males punctures tending to become confluent and form longitudinal rugulae
- head robust with an inflated gena
- postpetiole varying from smooth to longitudinally striate
- propodeum long with areola longer than wide; propodeum partially sloping posteriorly and with a long second lateral area (as in Coelichneumon)
- gastrocoeli and thyridia narrow but well-developed (not enlarged as in Coelichneumon)
- female metasomal apex oxypygous